IELTS Writing Task 1
IELTS Writing Task 1 Structure and Sample
A repeatable template saves time and guarantees you cover what examiners want. This lesson gives you a template and a full model answer you can learn from.
The template
- Intro: "The [chart type] illustrates [what] between [dates]."
- Overview: "Overall, [main trend 1], while [main trend 2]."
- Body 1: specific figures for the first group.
- Body 2: specific figures and comparisons for the rest.
Model answer (line graph — coffee vs tea sales)
Model answer
The line graph illustrates the sales of coffee and tea, measured in thousands of cups, at a café between 2015 and 2020.
Overall, coffee sales rose steadily throughout the period, whereas tea sales fell, so that by 2020 coffee was far more popular than tea, reversing the situation seen at the start.
In 2015, tea was the leading drink at around 40,000 cups, compared with just 25,000 cups of coffee. However, coffee sales climbed consistently, reaching 35,000 in 2017 and overtaking tea in 2018, when both stood at roughly 32,000 cups.
After 2018, the gap widened sharply. Coffee sales surged to 55,000 cups by 2020, while tea continued to decline, dropping to about 20,000 cups. As a result, coffee ended the period selling almost three times as many cups as tea.💡
Notice the model has no opinion, a clear overview, grouped data with figures, and comparison words ("whereas", "compared with", "while"). Copy that shape, not the exact words.
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Take test →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I memorise a Task 1 template?+
A structural template is fine and recommended. Memorising whole sentences to copy is risky — examiners penalise memorised, off-topic phrasing, so adapt the template to the specific chart.
How long should a Task 1 answer be?+
Around 160–190 words. Enough to cover the intro, overview and two body paragraphs without eating into Task 2 time.